In a few short days it will be November 1st 2009.
It has been about 40 days since anyone has heard from me..
At least wrestling wise.
So I thought it was time to let everyone know what happened
in September, as well as, what has been going on since then
in regards to myself and DPW.
Allow me to bring those who may not know recent history up to
speed.
On Sunday August 16th, during a DPW event, I sustained a real
world heart attack. Midway through the event I was taken to the
closest hospital, and underwent two angioplasties.
A day or so after being released, I was right back at the next
event preparing for our 5th anniversary event in which I was
scheduled to be a part of. The doctor, and those close to me
weren't hearing any of that. So instead of participating in
the four way dog collar chain match as scheduled, I wound up
simply being in the corner of my team.
Needless to say, the event itself was great and well received
by everyone. The end of the night I took a minute to thank
everyone and announce that the character of Mike E. Milano was
going on a indefinate hiatus. What followed was what I truly
consider my crowning achievement in this crazy business, as
the locker room emptied and everyone showed some real emotion
and gratitude. It's a moment I don't think I can ever forget,
and for that, I truly thank everyone involved.
Shortly before the heart attack it became apparent that the
business relationship that was in place for the Defiant Academy
was not going to last in the incarnation that it began with.
I entered into negotiations with the landlords of the facility
in an effort to keep it going. From what the cardiologist told
me, it was more than likley the stress of trying to keep the
Academy open that triggered my health issues.
Midway through September, the negotiations were at a standstill.
There was no way we could afford what they were now wanting.
So between the last event at the Academty (9/13) and the last
minute Branstock '09 event (9/19), the decision was made to
let the building, that a tremendous array of talent called home
on a weekly basis for many months, close it's doors.
After the closing of the Academy, I received a serious dose of
reality when I wound up with a $87,000 bill for my hospital stay.
Needless to say, the stress piled up as I was trying to get my
medical insurance taken care of. In the interim, the doctor had
basically told me it was time to take some time away from every
thing. This led to me being incommunicado via the internet, text
messages, etc. I thank you all for trying to contact me, I just
needed to take some time away from things. If I haven't responded
it wasn't personal at all. Those who have asked for various footage
and DVD's will be getting things ASAP.
A few things about this time in DPW history. I would suggest that
attempting to run a professional wrestling school in this economy
was extremly difficult. Between those that choose to not live up
to contracts, those that want to train for free and give NOTHING
back, to those that will "start next week", it became a no win
situation for that part of the business model.
Not that there weren't good things that came out of the Defiant
Academy experience. I wouldn't trade the trainers for anything,
and would put their expertise up against any school, anywhere.
I would like to publically thank Slyck Wagner Brown for being
the face of the Academy. He is, without a doubt, THE absolute best
instructor on the art of professional wrestling that I have ever
witnessed in nearly ten years. You are the man Wags! Thank you
for everything. I appreciate it more than you know.
On to the assistant trainers..
Nocturne: You sir, are perhaps the most patient person I have
ever encountered when it comes to training. Your optimism toward
students and guidance towards them is without peer. I am not only
glad to have called you a trainer, but a friend as well.
Chris Mooch: What can I say about someone I saw start off in this
industry as a kid, and before my eyes, become a man? The intensity
of your physicality is phenomanal. You are dedicated to your craft
and it shows. It's been like watching my kid brother grow up. Thank
you for letting me be a part of that process.
Vik Dalishus & Hale Collins: At least once a week you guys went out
of your way to drive almost two hours to impart your wisdom upon
whatever students were there. You believed in what I was trying to do,
and it's something I won't ever forget.
Another big component of Defiant Academy were the weekly events we
ran. For three Sundays and one Saturday a month, a diverse collection
of talent from around the area came together to entertain however
many fans were there. I thank each and every one of you for your
commitment, and hope that I can serve you in that capacity again soon.
DPW has received both praise and a ton of criticism for keeping the
schedule we kept for nearly four months. I would be remiss if I didn't
point out a few things that were very positive.
By running as much as we did, it allowed many younger performers a
chance to showcase their talents and perhaps try something different
that they didn't think they could ever do.
Some of the highlights from this time to me were things like..
Chris Mooch growing into his spot as a main eventer and champion.
"The BattleTank" Anthony Battle becoming very popular.
Nocturne and Malice Mason turning against the fans.
Brendan Michael Thomas with Ariel becoming a major force in the company.
LAST CALL (Billy King, Doug Summers, Andy Sweet w Jimmy Meaz) arguably
becoming the top babyface act in the company.
The rise of ANARCHY (Chris Battle, Joey Bricco, Mikey Chase w Kathleen
Battle) as the top heel act in the company.
In the case of LAST CALL & ANARCHY..these were people who never had
the opportunity to try something different and took the chance and made
the most of it. I hope you all had as much fun making it all work as I
did booking it.
That pretty much brings me to the presnt.
I was able to rectify the majority of my insurance issues. However, the
medical problems are still there. I have yet another appointment on Monday.
It may be possible that I might need to have some pretty major surgery soon.
Time will tell the tale.
I have decided that the time off thing has to stop. I miss it. I miss the
commrodery of "the boys". So that being said, it's time to announce that
there will be another DPW event.
The date will be SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21st 2009 at The Franco American Club
in Waterbury, CT. Details of the event will be posted soon.
One thing I will say is that this event will be in conjunction with the
Tony Robbin's Basket Brigade which in essence is a food drive in which
baskets of food and other essentials will be distributed to those in need
during the holiday season.
I truly hope that many of you will help us with this tremendous cause.
More details on everything will be posted very soon.
Thanks for everything!
Mike